Monitor Farm Scotland November Workshops: Navigating Family Communication and Farm Succession

Monitor Farm Scotland is launching a new series of workshops this November to help farming families across Scotland tackle one of the biggest challenges in agriculture—communicating effectively about the future. The events will focus on farm family relationships, conflict resolution, and succession planning, providing practical tools to support smoother transitions and stronger businesses.

Taking place in Elgin, Larkhall, and Ingliston, the workshops will bring together farming families from across the North, West, and East of Scotland, making it easier for people to access support and advice close to home.

Building on the success of AHDB’s 2024 events, these sessions will feature Canadian expert Lydia Carpenter of Farm Family Coach Inc., who will provide practical tools and specialist insights to help families strengthen relationships and plan for the future.

The workshops, themed “For Farm Families Who Want Better Communication & Conflict Resolution to Secure a Successful Farm Transition,” will explore succession planning, management transitions, and intergenerational communication—issues at the heart of many farming families. Through real-life stories and professional guidance from Lydia Carpenter, who works closely with renowned expert Elaine Froese, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional, financial, and practical aspects of handing over the reins.

Elaine Froese, joining remotely, will offer bespoke insights on “Finding Fairness in Farm Transition,” recognising that perceptions of fairness vary depending on which family or farm team member is involved. Elaine explains: “The emotional factors affecting planning can be managed to help folks get clarity of expectations, certainty of timelines and agreements, and a commitment to act. Once you start talking openly, great solutions can be created.

"Families who stop the conflict avoidance dance are relieved to find out that expressing emotion and creating solutions can be done in a safe and respectful manner. You get the behaviour you accept on your farms, so start looking for new ways to reach out and adapt to each other’s needs. When needs are met, conflict decreases.”

Lydia Carpenter comments: “The mindset shift that needs to happen in agriculture is that communication and conflict is not bad. You can have good conflict, which in farm transition is what can ignite the creativity that is needed to get things done. Running a farm, and working through a farm transition, is complex, but that does not mean it has to be complicated.

"We are passionate about sharing tools and insights that can help farm families and teams be in spaces that feel constructive and generative. Sometimes that means addressing tension, conflict, and communication challenges to make the next steps in farm and ranch transition. Learning better communication and conflict resolution skills is within farmers’ control and can be embraced as a risk management strategy for their operation, helping with family dynamics and future planning.”

Grace Reid, Monitor Farm Scotland Programme Manager (Maternity Cover), adds: “Navigating difficult conversations with family or business partners is something every farmer can relate to. These workshops will build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and help farmers tackle sensitive topics head-on, supporting a successful future for their business. We have also produced a bespoke podcast series to complement the workshops. You can listen to the episodes via the Monitor Farm Podcast Field Talk, where we explore the conversations that matter most."

Farming families across Scotland are invited to attend the workshops at the following locations:

• North: 3rd November – Mansefield Hotel, Elgin – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e...
• West: 5th November – Radstone Hotel, Larkhall – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e...
• East: 7th November – RHASS Pavilion, Ingliston – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e...

Registration is required. For more information, please visit the Monitor Farm Scotland website -https://www.monitorfarms.co.uk...